It is presisely out of concern for passengers that crews and security staff take a dim view of "stupid remarks". Can you imagine the potential fear generated amongst the inexperienced travelling public caused by these smart remarks on-board. I'd rather see them licking their wounds on the ground than spreading fear in the air.
reports of pilots who make smartass remarks to ATC or ground controllers? It's the same situation in my book;
This is not comparible at all. Crews and ATC while on the air will have already been security screened and are just carrying out their duties. A bit of banter between professionals can liven up the day. Eveyone in this situation knows who they are dealing with and where they stand.
The same is not true about Pax. It must be obvious to even the above writers that Sep 11 was caused by people posing as ordinary pax. Crews, airport staff and most importantly pax themselves are paranoid about other pax. Sadly nothing can be taken for granted anymore and these remarks can't be tolerated.
